Adult Learning Systems and their Governance

This paper presents a conceptual framework that advances a system-level approach to adult learning, shifting the focus from individual programmes, providers, or single instruments to a system-level account of the institutions, incentives, and governance arrangements that, together with adults’ preferences and circumstances, shape who learns, what they learn, and under what conditions. The framework analyses adult learning through the interaction of demand, supply, and coordination, supported by four governance pillars: legal frameworks, strategic planning, institutional arrangements, and financing mechanisms. By adopting a system perspective, the paper aims at helping policymakers identify barriers, improve participation and equity, and create conditions for lifelong learning that support economic development, social inclusion, civic engagement, and individual capability development.